VETERINARY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
NOTES ON
DISEASES OF THE HORSE
CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
BY
CHARLES J. KORINEK, V.S.
_Graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, in affiliation with
the University of Toronto, Canada. Hon. Member of the Ontario
Veterinary Medical Society. Ex. State Veterinarian for
Oregon. Ex. President of the Oregon State Veterinary Medical
Board of Examiners. Author of “The Veterinarian”. Principal
of the Veterinary Science Association of America. Sixteen
years of Practical Experience as a Veterinary Surgeon._
[Illustration: VETERINARY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA]
PUBLISHED BY THE
VETERINARY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
COPYRIGHT 1917
by the
VETERINARY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION
OF AMERICA
PREFACE
This treatise on the diseases of horses has been written with the primary
purpose of placing in the hands of the Student and the Veterinary
Profession, a book of practical worth; hence, all unnecessary padding
is omitted, so that the reader may quickly grasp the knowledge of the
subject or disease for which he may be seeking.
The treatment suggested in each case is one I have used and found
efficient in my many years of practice.
If my readers will study and follow the directions carefully, they will
save themselves, as well as their neighbors, much unnecessary loss. My
confidence in this accomplishment is my reward for my labor in behalf of
our faithful servant the Horse.
CHARLES J. KORINEK, V. S.
DISEASES OF THE
HORSE
[Illustration]
CAUSE, SYMPTOMS AND
TREATMENT
[Illustration: LOCATION OF PARTS OF THE HORSE.]
LOCATION OF PARTS OF THE HORSE
1. Mouth.
2. Nostrils.
3. Nose.
4. Face.
5. Eye.
6. Forehead.
7. Ears.
8. Poll.
9. Throat lach.
10. Jaw.
11. Chin.
12. Windpipe.
13. Neck.
14. Crest.
15. Withers.
16. Shoulder bed.
17. Chest.
18. Shoulders.
19. Forearm.
20. Knees.
21. Cannons.
22. Fetlock.
23. Pasterns.
24. Feet.
25. Feather.
25½. Elbow.
26. Flank.
27. Heart girth.
28. Back.
29. Loin.
30. Hip bone.
31. Coupling.
32. Ribs.
33. Belly.
34. Rear flank.
35. Stifle.
36. Thigh.
37. Buttock.
38. Croup.
39. Tail.
40. Quarters.
41. Lower thigh.
42. Hocks.
THE USE OF THE CLINICAL THERMOMETER
This instrument is employed for taking the internal temperature of the
body, which is most conveniently done by placing the instrument for
about three minutes in the animal’s rectum. Owing to the almost general
adoption of this method, the expression “internal temperature” is used
as a rule to signify “rectal temperature”; although the respective
temperatures of different parts of the body vary to a slight extent. The
practice of placing the thermometer in the mouth, as is the custom in
human medicine, is not suitable to animals, owing to the danger of the
patient breaking the glass instrument with the teeth.
The indications afforded by the clinical thermometer are valuable guides
as to the state of the animal’s health at the time, or what it will
shortly be. Thus, in a horse at rest under ordinary conditions, if there
be a rise of three or four degrees without the animal evincing any other
sign of illness, we may be assured that disease in some form will, after
a day or two, manifest itself in him. During illness, a temperature of,
say, 106° F. or more points to a condition of great danger.
The clinical thermometer is especially useful in indicating the state
of an animal during infective diseases and diseases of the organs of
breathing. A fall in temperature, when it has been abnormally high, will
generally point to a favorable termination of the disease; although in
some cases it is the precursor of rapidly approaching death.
TEMPERATURE DURING HEALTH.
As a rule, there is a daily variation in the internal temperature of a
healthy animal of about 1° F.; the maximum being attained at about 6
o’clock in the evening. In the adult animal, the temperature is about 1°
F. higher than in a very young or very old animal. It is about 1° F. less
in the female than in the male, except when she is “in season,” during
which time it is about 2° F. higher than normal. The temperature of
well-bred animals is higher than that of common animals. A rise of 4° or
5° F., compatible with health, may be observed in animals during violent
exercise or work in hot weather. The temperature of well-fed animals is
higher than that of poorly-fed ones. During digestion, it rises about 1°
F., and falls about the same amount during sleep. Exposure to the rays of
a hot sun for a few hours may cause a rise of as much as 3° F., and the
effects of cold and rain may equally lower it.
NORMAL TEMPERATURE OF THE HORSE.—
From 2 to 5 years old the temperature is 100.6° F.
From 5 to 10 years old the temperature is 100.4° F.
From 10 to 15 years old the temperature is 100° F.
From 15 to 20 years old the temperature is 98.4° to 100.2° F.
New born foals’ temperature will run from 102° to 104° F.
TEMPERATURE OF CATTLE.—Normal temperature is from 101.8° to 102° F.
Compared with the horse, the daily variations are small.
TEMPERATURE OF SHEEP AND GOATS.—In these animals the greatest variation
in temperature occurs, viz.: 100.9° to 105.8° F. In the majority of cases
the temperature probably will be between 103.6° and 104.4° F. The cause
of this variation is unknown.
TEMPERATURE OF SWINE.—The average temperature is 103.3° F., varying from
100.9° to 105.4° F.
TEMPERATURE OF THE DOG.—The dog is subject to important variations
depending on the external temperature; it varies from 99.5° to 101.7° F.,
although in some localities it is as high as 100.9° to 101.3° F. Feeding
will increase the temperature, and it is also higher towards evening.
PULSE.
PULSE FEELING.—Pulse are usually taken at the lower jaw; its character
there being better marked than at other convenient situations. The artery
may be felt underneath the lower jaw, just in front of the fleshy part of
the cheek. On passing the fingers of the hand over the spot, two vessels
can be distinguished lying closely together; one, the duct which conveys
saliva from the parotid gland into the mouth; the other, the artery which
supplies the face with blood. The middle finger should be applied so as
to gently press the artery against the inner surface of the bone. The
ball of the thumb should not be placed on the outside of the jaw, lest
the operator might mistake the pulsation of the artery of his thumb for
that of the patient’s artery.
Very frequently the indication of the artery of the fore-arm is the
one adopted. This vessel is on the inner side of the fore-arm, and may
be felt by inserting the hand, from the front, between the breast and
fore-arm, and feeling for the slightly prominent head of the bone just
below the elbow joint.
The pulse can be felt at other parts of the body, but those mentioned are
more practical.
PULSE.—The pulse in the horse, as in other animals, is of great
importance; it tells the number and the force of the heart beats. When
taking pulse endeavor to keep the animal as quiet as possible, for if
you excite him, you will find the pulse increased several beats, and
after standing some time it will again fall. Pulse varies in different
animals; slower in heavier horses, quicker in highly nervous animals.
It may vary five or ten beats per minute, and the animal still be in
perfect health. There are various kinds of pulsations, as the result
of certain diseases, the quick, slow, large, hard, soft, frequent and
infrequent. The strong, full pulse may be present, and consistent with
good health; exercise will change the pulse to a considerable extent.
But if the animal is suffering from disease, and then the pulse is of a
wiry character, it is characteristic of the sthenic type of inflammation.
Suppose an animal has been standing in the stable, and is attacked with
lymphangitis, the pulse is full, bounding, wiry, characteristic of
inflammation of the bowels, punctures of the feet, inflammation of the
joints, etc. The weak, small pulse is indicative of debility, showing
inflammation of an esthetic type. It may occur in influenza and catarrh.
The oppressed pulse is characteristic of congestion and inflammation of
the lungs; you would think the heart had great difficulty in propelling
the blood forward. The throbbing pulse is characteristic of inflammation
in certain parts. In laminitis there is, perhaps, the best example of the
throbbing pulse, beating quickly, with a peculiar throbbing sensation,
especially in any inflammatory action in the vascular structures of the
feet, making the circulation difficult. A slow pulse is characteristic
of cerebral disease, but if only twenty-eight or thirty you may say
at once it is cerebral disease; if it is accompanied by a comatose
condition, then it is indicative of this disease. The intermitting pulse
is found where the animal has suffered from some debilitating disease,
as influenza, distemper, catarrh, etc. Although it must in some cases
be looked upon with suspicion, it is not generally very alarming, but
if there is a change for the worse, and this pulse, it is unfavorable.
The fluttering and almost imperceptible pulse indicates great change in
the system, as in the latter stages of enteritis (inflammation of the
bowels), pleurisy, pneumonia, etc., especially in enteritis; if a case
where the pulse is forty, fifty or sixty per minute, and changes, and
runs up to eighty or a hundred and becomes indistinct, it is indicative
of approaching dissolution. These are the varieties of pulse, and due to
the manner in which disease attacks the various organs. You may meet with
a case at one hundred and twenty-five where it may recover, but higher
than this will no doubt prove fatal. The pulse in the young is much more
rapid than in the adult animal; that of a foal at birth beats one hundred
to one hundred and two per minute, while that of a calf will go to one
hundred and thirty per minute. In old age the pulsation becomes reduced
and the arteries much weaker. The pulse rate in large animals is less
than in smaller ones, as for instance, an elephant’s pulse rate is from
twenty-five to twenty-eight beats per minute. The more rapid the pulse,
the greater the quantity of blood in circulation.
THE NORMAL PULSE THROBS PER MINUTE OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS—
Per Minute.
The horse 36 to 42
Cattle 45 to 50
Sheep and goats 70 to 80
The dog 70 to 80
Swine 90 to 100
By taking the pulse we can form some idea of the character of the
disease.
ABORTION IN MARES.
CAUSE.—Quality and quantity of food, poorly lighted, ventilated or
drained stables, mare falling or slipping, sprains, kicks, hard, fast
work or eating poisonous vegetation.
SYMPTOMS.—Mare will show signs of colic, the outer portion of the womb
will be swollen, and if the colicky symptoms continue there will be a
watery discharge and the membranes covering the foetus or foal will
become noticeable. The animal strains when lying down or getting up.
TREATMENT.—Place the animal in comfortable quarters and blanket if
chilly. When colicky pains are present treat the same as for spasmodic
colic. To stop the straining and labor pains, give Tincture Opii one
ounce, placing in gelatin capsule and give with capsule gun every two
hours. One to two doses, however, are generally sufficient as the mare
will either abort or the dangerous period will have passed. Keep the
animal quiet and feed good nutritious food and pure water with chill
taken off in small quantities but often. Disinfect the mare’s quarters
thoroughly. A good general tonic should be used in this condition, one
that will strengthen and assist nature to throw off impurities from the
blood, such as Sodium Hyposulphite, eight ounces; Potassi Iodide, one
ounce. Make into eight powders and give one powder two or three times a
day in drinking water.
ABSCESS.
CAUSE.—Bruises and injuries. Abscesses are also seen in complications
with various diseases, perhaps the most common being distemper,
laryngitis, etc.
SYMPTOMS.—Symptoms will vary, of course, according to the development
of the disease. It may not be noticed at first, but upon careful
examination small tortuous lines will be observed running from the point
of irritation. In many cases a swelling is noticed which is hot, painful
and throbbing and enlarges rapidly. In two or three days the soreness and
heat gradually subside, but the abscess continues to grow. The hair falls
from the affected parts and in a short time the abscess discharges, and
the cavity gradually fills up and heals by granulation.
TREATMENT.—In all cases hasten the ripening process as much as possible
by applying hot water packs or hot bran, flaxseed or vegetable poultices.
It will usually be found a safe plan to encourage the full ripening
of an abscess and allow it to open of its own accord, as it will heal
much better and quicker and you take no chances of infection with an
instrument. When opened do not squeeze the abscess to any extent, but
press gently with clean hands or cloth, to remove the clot, and after
this simply keep open by washing the abscess with a three per cent
Carbolic Acid solution or Bichloride of Mercury, one part to one thousand
parts of water. When an animal has abscesses it is well to give the
following blood purifiers or internal antiseptics: Hyposulphite of Soda,
eight ounces; Potassi Iodide, one ounce. Mix well and make into eight
powders and give one powder twice daily in drinking water, or place in
gelatin capsule and administer with capsule gun. This prescription will
prevent the absorption of impurities from the abscess into the blood.
ANEMIA.
CAUSE.—Insufficient quality and quantity of food, insanitary
surroundings, overwork, lack of exercise, drains on the system from acute
or chronic diseases, worms; and can also be brought about by excessive
heat, cold or pressure and lessening of the calibre of the arteries,
poisons in the blood, suppurating wounds, repeated purging or bleedings.
SYMPTOMS.—The visible mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and mouth
are pale and sometimes have a yellow appearance. There is weakness,
temperature of the body is lower than normal; pulse weak, legs cold
to the feet, cold sweats are often present, breathing is quickened,
especially in its last stages, animals tire easily, appetite and
digestion become poor, swelling of the legs and the under surface of the
abdomen, sheath and udder; the skin becomes rough and dry.
TREATMENT.—Remove the cause if possible in its first stages, or when
first noticed. Give a physic of Calomel, two scruples; Aloin, two drams;
Pulv. Gentian, two drams; Ginger, two drams. Place in gelatin capsule
and give at one dose with capsule gun. Also, administer the following:
Arsenious Acid, one dram; Ferri Sulphate, three ounces; Pulv. Gentian,
three ounces; Pulv. Fenugreek Seed, three ounces, and Pulv. Anise Seed,
three ounces. Mix well and make into twenty powders. Give one powder
three times a day in feed, or place in gelatin capsule and give with
capsule gun. Endeavor to build up the condition of the animal by the
proper quantity and quality of food. Give pure water to drink, also
provide sanitary conditions, as pure air, sunlight if possible. Turn
out to grass when the weather is favorable. This treatment should be
continued until the animal shows sign of improvement. However, the
administration of physics should be given with great care so as not
to produce superpurgation of the bowels (scours), as physics in this
condition would tend to weaken the animal.
It is to be borne in mind that pure water and nourishing food play a very
important part in the treatment of Anemia.
APHTHAE.
(_Sore mouth and tongue—Pustular Stomatitis_)
CAUSE.—Superficial eruptions of the mucous membranes of the mouth and
tongue. Frequently seen during convalescence of intermittent fever.
This condition may also follow diseases of the digestive system, as
Indigestion, etc., due to the blood absorbing toxic materials which break
out in the form of pustules about the mouth and the whole alimentary
canal (stomach and intestines).
SYMPTOMS.—The appetite is impaired, the mouth hot, the pulse not much
affected as a rule, the temperature is slightly elevated, the animal is
unable to masticate, and small vesicles appear and eventually terminate
into pustules and burst and discharge a small amount of pus at the parts
where the sores are the deepest.
TREATMENT.—Remove the cause if possible. Feed clean, soft food that
is easily digested, as hot wheat bran mashes and steamed rolled oats,
vegetables, etc. For a mouth-wash dissolve the following: One dram of
Copper Sulphate, one dram of Chlorate of Potash, one dram of Boracic
Acid in clean hot water, and syringe out the mouth two or three times a
day. To the drinking water add one ounce of Hyposulphite of Soda twice a
day. Where the appetite is impaired, administer the following: Pulv. Nux
Vomica, Pulv. Gentian Root, Pulv. Iron, Pulv. Nitrate of Potash each two
ounces. Mix and make into sixteen capsules and give one capsule three
times a day with capsule gun.
AZOTURIA.
CAUSE.—This disease is usually due to work after a period of idleness,
during which the animal has been liberally fed. It is found principally
among highly-fed draft horses, and never in animals which are regularly
worked. Light breeds of horses are also susceptible to this disease.
SYMPTOMS.—Attack is sudden and usually appears when the horse has
traveled a short distance after having been stabled for a few days. The
characteristic symptoms of this disease in an animal are: Excitability
without apparent cause; actions seem to indicate injury of the hind
quarters or loins. Animal has a peculiar goose-rumped look, owing to
the muscles over the quarters being violently contracted, and are hard
on pressure. One hind limb is generally advanced in front of the other,
and on attempting to put weight on it, the hind quarters will drop until
at times the hocks almost touch the ground. Sometimes a front leg is
affected. The breathing is hurried. Animal is bathed in sweat, and is in
such agony that it will seize almost anything with its teeth. Although
the pulse is hard and frequent, the internal temperature, even in severe
cases, seldom rises to any marked extent. The urine is dark-red to
dirty-brown color. Owing to the stoppage of the worm-like movement of
the bowels, there is generally constipation and retention of the urine.
Sometimes the symptoms are milder than here described. In other cases the
animal soon falls to the ground and continues to struggle in a delirious,
half-paralyzed state until he dies. Sometimes this disease is mistaken
for colic or acute indigestion, but it can be readily distinguished by
the color of the urine.
TREATMENT.—At the first symptom, stop and blanket the animal and let
stand from one to three hours. Then move to the nearest shelter, keeping
the animal as quiet and comfortable as possible, as excitement aggravates
the disease. Give Aloin, two drams; Ginger, two drams, in capsule, and
administer with capsule gun. Also, give the following prescription:
Potassi Nitrate, eight ounces; Sodii Bicarbonate, eight ounces; Potassi
Iodide, one and one-half ounces. Mix well and make into thirty-two
powders. Give one powder in drinking water every four hours, or in
capsule, and give with capsule gun. Injections of soap and warm water
per rectum are beneficial. Immerse a blanket in hot water and place over
loins, then covering with a dry blanket, or, if this is impossible, apply
the following liniment: Aqua Ammonia Fort., two ounces; Turpentine,
two ounces; Sweet Oil, four ounces, and rub in like a shampoo over the
loins. It may be necessary to draw off the urine, which is sometimes
retained. Allow the animal to drink often, though in small quantities,
of pure water with the chill taken off. If he is unable to stand on his
feet it is well to turn him from side to side every six hours. It is
also advisable to fill bags with hay and place against his shoulders to
prevent him from lying flat on his side, as this may cause congestion of
the lungs. Avoid drenching—it is dangerous. Should the animal show signs
of uneasiness, give one ounce of Potassi Bromide in the drinking water
every four hours until the excitement has subsided.
BARRENNESS.
(_Failure to Breed_)
CAUSE.—Contraction of the neck of the womb, growths on or in the ovaries,
Whites or Leucorrhea. The first is the only form of barrenness which
responds readily to treatment.
SYMPTOMS.—A mare may come in heat normally, or stay in heat continually,
or not come in heat at all.
TREATMENT.—Wash the hands in some antiseptic solution, such as Carbolic
Acid or Bichloride of Mercury, and see that the finger-nails are smooth.
Grease the hand and arm with vaseline and proceed to dilate the neck of
the womb. It may be difficult at first to insert the finger, but the
opening will gradually enlarge. Work slowly and carefully until three
fingers may be inserted. Breeding should follow about three hours after
the womb has been dilated.
BLEEDING.
(_Hemorrhage_)
Bleeding sometimes follows operations as castration and wounds due to
various causes.
TREATMENT.—When bleeding from a large artery, it should be tied with
a clean silk or linen thread or twisted with a pair of forceps or
cauterized with a hot iron. Sometimes compression by the use of tightly
bound bandages proves effective, although the former appliances are
more practical. Tincture chloride of iron, applied to small arteries
or veins, causes the blood to clot in the arteries or veins, and hence
stops the hemorrhage. It is very essential that all wounds should be
treated antiseptically and I cannot say that I am in favor of washing
a wound with water only in cases where the wound is very filthy, and I
prefer powder applications in preference to any liquid antiseptics. The
following will be found very effective in the treatment of the majority
of wounds: Boracic acid, two ounces; iodoform, two drams; tannic acid,
two ounces; calomel, one dram; powder finely and mix well. Place in
sifter top can and apply two or three times daily.
BLOOD POISONING.
(_Septicaemia or Pyemia_)
CAUSE.—By the popular term, “Blood Poison,” is meant a state of
constitutional disturbance brought on by the entrance of putrid
products—usually from a wound—into the blood. As a rule some pressure
or inoculation is necessary for the introduction of poison into the
circulation; hence, the necessity of free drainage and thorough
disinfection of the wound, and the only hopeful cases are those in which
by this means the supply of poison may be cut short.
SYMPTOMS.—It is introduced through any wound or abrasion, whether due to
injury, disease or by an operation. Signs of septic poison are heat, pain
and swelling.
TREATMENT.—It is necessary to see that the wound has good drainage, and
wash with Carbolic Acid, one tablespoonful to one pint of distilled water
or Bichloride of Mercury perhaps is the best in an infected wound. Apply
one part to one thousand parts water. Also, give internally, Potassi
Iodide, one ounce; Sodii Hyposulphite, eight ounces. Make into eight
powders and give one powder two or three times a day in their drinking
water or in capsule, and give with capsule gun. This is an intestinal
antiseptic which is very valuable in the treatment of Blood Poisoning.
Feed soft, laxative food and green grass, if possible.
BOG SPAVIN.
CAUSE.—Faulty conformation, slipping, falling through a bridge or
culvert; large loosely built draft horses are prone to this blemish. Bog
Spavin is hereditary, and you should, therefore, select a good type of
animal for breeding purposes.
SYMPTOMS.—A puffy swelling located in front and on the inside of the
hock, varying from the size of a walnut to that of a man’s fist. It very
seldom causes lameness, but is a serious disfigurement and blemish.
TREATMENT.—Treatment is not satisfactory unless taken in its first stages
and when the animal is young. If there is heat, pain and swelling, apply
cold water or ice packs until the inflammation has left the parts.
Then use the following prescription: Tincture of Iodine, two ounces;
Gum Camphor, two ounces, Gasolene, one pint. Mix and shake well before
applying with a nail or tooth brush twice a week.
I may add that I have derived some wonderful results in treatment of
Bog Spavin with the above mentioned prescription in both young and old
animals, and perhaps it will be well to use it on both young and old
animals in both acute and chronic forms of Bog Spavin.
BONE SPAVIN.
CAUSE.—Sprains of the hock from falling, slipping, jumping, pulling,
traveling on uneven roads, falling through bridges, etc.
Since Spavin is due to causes which come into existence after birth, it
cannot be regarded as an hereditary disease. Hereditary predisposition,
however, is largely accountable for its appearance. In the first place,
the process of evolution in the horse, which is a single-toed animal,
descended from a five-toed ancestor, predisposes him to suffer from union
of the bones of the hock, just as it predisposes him to splints. The
weaker the bones of the hock in comparison to the weight of the body the
more inclined will the animal naturally be to contract Spavin.
SYMPTOMS.—Spasmodic catching up of the spavined limb, the moment the
heel of the foot touches the ground, something after the manner of
string-halt. At times the stiffness can be observed only when the animal
is pushed from one side of the stall to the other. Spavin may often be
detected when riding a horse down a steep hill from the fact that he
drags the toe.
The time of all others when a spavined horse will be apt to show his
lameness will be the day following a hard day’s work, and when he makes
his first move from the stable in the morning is the proper moment for
examination. Therefore, you should be prepared to form judgment quickly
in these cases, for the longer the animal is trotted up and down the less
lame will he generally become.
We may have a visible sign of Spavin, swelling and hardness of the part,
without lameness. If there be heat and tenderness on pressure, lameness
will almost always be present. A careful comparison should be made of the
hocks.
TREATMENT.—An important factor in treating Spavin is keeping the animal
quiet. This can be accomplished by placing the animal in a very narrow
stall, carrying his feed and drinking water for a month or six weeks,
and apply the following ointment: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams;
Pulverized Cantharides, three drams; Turpentine, thirty minims; Pine Tar,
two drams; lard, two ounces. Mix well and rub in well for twenty minutes
every forty-eight hours until three applications have been applied.
Repeat this treatment again in two weeks, and grease well with lard.
To cure a bone spavin it is necessary to unite two or more bones of the
hock. The same thing exists in bone spavin as in a fractured bone, only
we have no ragged edges like that of a fracture to unite; but the animal
must be kept quiet. The younger the animal the easier the spavin is to
treat, because the bones hardened with age contain more mineral matter
and less flexible animal matter. While treating the animal, feed food
that is easily digested.
BOTS.
(_Gastrophilis_)
Effect of Bots on the Health of Horses
Although the presence of bots inside of a horse can be of no possible
advantage to him, their presence, when in small numbers, as a rule
produce very little or no ill effect in the horse, but if their number
be large they cannot help being a source of debility and irritation. In
practically all cases they produce indigestion, especially among young
horses, also loss of condition, colic and even death.
CAUSE.—Bot flies lay their eggs during the autumn months on the skin
and hair of the horse. These eggs on becoming hatched (in from 20 to 25
days) produce small worms which irritate the skin by their movements and
thus cause the horse to lick them off and to take them into his mouth,
with the result that they gain access to various parts of the intestinal
canal. The bot having selected its place of residence, attaches itself
to the membrane lining the stomach and intestines, and derives its
sustenance during its stay from the wound made by its hooks. In the
summer the larva, after living inside the horse for about ten months,
quits its hold and is expelled with the feces. Having concealed itself
near the surface of the ground it becomes changed into a chrysalis from
which the gadfly issues after an inactive existence of from thirty to
forty days. The female fly becomes impregnated, lays her eggs on those
parts of the horse from which they can be most easily licked off, and
thus completes her cycle of existence.
SYMPTOMS.—Membranes about the eyes and mouth are very pale, as though the
animal had lost a large quantity of blood; they will also be subject to
colicky attacks, hair faded, dull, rough appearance, appetite poor and
manifests a pot belly.
PREVENTION.—The best means of prevention are spraying your horses with
the following fly repellant: Crude Carbolic Acid, 10%; Oil of Tar, 25%;
Crude Oil, 65%. Mix thoroughly. This prevents the gadfly from depositing
her eggs on the animals.
TREATMENT.—Withhold all food for twenty-four hours, then administer
Oil of Turpentine, one ounce; place in a gelatin capsule and give with
capsule gun. Follow this in six hours with a physic consisting of Aloin,
two drams; Ginger, two drams. Place in a gelatin capsule and give with
capsule gun. Repeat the above treatment in a week or ten days to insure
the expulsion of Bots that might have escaped the first treatment.
BRONCHITIS.
CAUSE.—It may be the result of debility, constitutional diseases,
inhalation of impure air, smoke, or gases. Sometimes brought on by
drenching by the escape of liquid into the windpipe; remember, a horse
cannot breathe through his mouth. It may also be caused by sudden chill,
foreign bodies in windpipe, micro organisms, or it may be associated with
influenza, glanders, lung fever, etc.
SYMPTOMS.—Sore throat, loss of appetite, thirst, animal appears dull,
membranes of the mouth, eyes and nose are reddened; urine is scanty
and highly colored; cough dry and husky. After two or three days the
cough becomes looser and a frothy, sticky mucus of a yellowish color is
present. This gradually becomes pus-like, after which the animal seems
somewhat relieved. In the first stages the pulse is soft and weak, but
frequently the temperature is high, ranging from 105° F. to 106° F.; the
breathing is quick and more or less difficult.
TREATMENT.—Place the horse in a clean, comfortable, well ventilated
stall, exclude drafts, blanket if the weather is chilly. Also, hand
rub the legs and bandage them. Inhalations from steam of hot water and
Turpentine are beneficial. Also administer Chlorate of Potassi, two
ounces; Nitrate of Potash, two ounces; Tannic Acid, one ounce. Mix this
with a pint of black-strap molasses and give about one tablespoonful
well back on the tongue with a wooden paddle every six hours. In severe
attacks of Bronchitis it is well to apply a liniment consisting of
Turpentine, Aqua-Ammonia Fort., and raw Linseed Oil, each four ounces;
mix well and apply to the throat and down the windpipe once or twice a
day. The animal should be fed on soft food, such as hot bran mashes,
grass, carrots, kale, apples or steamed rolled oats. After the acute
symptoms of the disease disappear, give Pulverized Gentian Root,
one ounce; Nux Vomica, two ounces; Nitrate of Potash, three ounces;
Pulverized Fenugreek Seed, six ounces. Mix and give one tablespoonful
three times a day in the feed or in a gelatin capsule and administer with
a capsule gun.
CAPPED KNEE.
CAUSE.—Bruises from pawing or striking objects with the knee, falling on
the ground, etc., are perhaps the most common causes.
SYMPTOMS.—It may be a simple bruise, or it may be a severe wound. There
is always swelling, heat and pain present. The joint becomes stiff and
interferes with the movement of the leg. Under careful treatment the
swelling and enlargement disappear.
TREATMENT.—Relieve the inflammation and clean the wound by fomenting
with hot water, to which add a few drops of Carbolic Acid. If the wound
is very large, trim off the ragged edges with a pair of scissors and
apply the following: Boracic Acid, two ounces; Iodoform, one ounce;
Tannic Acid, one ounce. Powder finely, mix and apply two or three times a
day. If the skin is not broken, apply cold water or ice packs until the
inflammation has subsided; then use the following: Tincture of Iodine,
one ounce; Camphor, two ounces, and Gasolene, eight ounces. Apply with
nail or toothbrush every forty-eight hours until the enlargement has
disappeared.
CAPPED HOCK.
CAUSE.—Some horses have the habit of rubbing or striking their hocks
against the partition of their stalls. May also be produced by kicks from
other horses, or hocks may be bruised by the singletree.
SYMPTOMS.—An enlargement at the point of the hock, which may run up along
the tendons and muscles of the leg. Repeated injuries cause the hock to
enlarge and become flabby, and in some cases it contains a bloody serum
or pus.
TREATMENT.—Do not attempt to lance the puffy swelling on the point of
the hock, as you may produce an open joint, which is very difficult to
treat, and chances are that you would lose the animal.
The treatment that I would recommend is to find out the true cause and
remove it. When the puffy swelling is hot and painful, apply cold water
or ice packs. When the heat and pain have subsided apply the following:
Tincture of Iodine, two ounces; Gum Camphor, two ounces, dissolved in one
pint of Gasolene. Shake the contents of the bottle before using each time
and apply with a nail or toothbrush every forty-eight hours. This is very
penetrating and will remove the enlargement or absorb fluids that might
have accumulated from the result of the bruise.
CASTRATION.
There are few countries where this operation is not performed to any
great extent. Under favorable conditions of health, castration should
be performed at the age of one year. The safest months are April and
May, and the safest time a week or two after being turned out to pasture
when he is shedding his coat. Do not operate upon a colt that has been
kept in ill ventilated place, but have the colt in good condition, and
the weather moderate, neither too hot or too cold. See that he has
no distemper or any such disease. It is necessary that the hands and
instruments be thoroughly cleansed by washing them in hot water, a little
soap and a few drops of cresol. If the age be above a year it is best to
feed very light the day before the operation, as there is less danger
from being thrown and tied and also from the operation itself, when the
bowels are empty. It is very important to ascertain whether or not the
colt has ever suffered rupture, as he must be operated upon differently.
Examine the testicles to see that they are down. Generally speaking after
these precautions, so far as the animal is concerned, he is ready for the
operation.
There are several methods of removing the testicles and I will mention
only the Emasculator method. This is the latest method of operation,
and gives results that are satisfactory in majority of cases. In my
opinion it is the best and most humane. Open the scrotum and allow the
testicles to protrude, being careful to make the opening sufficiently
large. When the testicles protrude sufficiently far from the opening in
the scrotum, pour some cresol and cotton-seed oil (20 drops of cresol
to an ounce of cotton-seed oil) around the cords and into the scrotum.
Apply it thoroughly in order to prevent its healing too rapidly. Open the
emasculator and place it around the cord, shove up as far as possible on
the cord without pulling or using force. Should the patient pull upon
the cord it is better to suspend operation for a time until he ceases,
as the length of the cord cannot be ascertained unless it is slack when
the emasculator is placed at the proper point. Tighten up the instrument
by means of pressing the two handles together until the testicle is
squeezed off. This makes a peculiarly dull cut, different from that of a
sharp knife and thus has the effect of closing the end of the artery and
preventing the flow of blood. Some veterinarians take off both testicles
at the same time. There is, however, more danger from bleeding in this
way, and I recommend that each be taken off separately. The patient may
be allowed to regain his feet as soon as the testicles are removed. I
desire to add again that it is absolutely necessary to see that the hands
of the operator and the instruments are thoroughly cleansed both before
and after the operation.
BLEEDING AFTER CASTRATION.—Frequently you will be called on to stop
bleeding after veterinaries or farmers have used some obsolete method of
castration, and I would recommend that you use either of the following
suggestions:
If bleeding is from the little artery in the back portion of the cord, it
will generally stop of its own accord, but if it should continue to bleed
for 30 minutes, throw clean, cold water against the part.
When bleeding is from the large artery in front of the cord, it is
considered dangerous. The artery should be tied with a silk thread if
possible, or twisted with a pair of forceps. Occasionally the artery
cannot be found, in which case the hole in the scrotum should be plugged
with a clean cloth saturated with Tincture of Iron, which will clot the
blood and thus close the artery.
CHOKING.
This term applies to obstruction of the gullet as well as that of the
windpipe.
CAUSE.—Too rapid eating, from which pieces of carrots or other roots,
or a quantity of dry food becomes lodged in the gullet. Although
obstructions of the windpipe caused by drenching, or from food entering
the lungs, may not prove fatal for several days, an obstruction in the
gullet will kill a horse in a very short time.
TREATMENT.—No time should be lost in attempting to remove the obstruction
from the gullet. It may be dislodged by gently manipulating the gullet.
If unsuccessful in dislodging the obstruction in this manner, use a
probang, an instrument made for this purpose, or inject Sweet or Olive
Oil into the gullet with a hypodermic syringe, or give hypodermic
injections of Arecoline. In administering drenches with the object of
dislodging obstructions in the gullet, you must remember that the liquids
used are apt to go the wrong way, that is to say, enter the lungs,
and give rise to lung complications, as lung fever, bronchitis, etc.
Obstructions of solid substance in the windpipe generally cause death
very shortly. When liquids enter the lungs, death is not so apt to occur,
as the animal may live several days, and sometimes even get well. They
should be treated the same as for lung fever.
COFFIN-JOINT LAMENESS.
(_Navicular Disease_)
CAUSE.—Driving young animals on hard roads. Always found in the front
feet, owing no doubt to the fact the front feet support largely the
weight of the body.
SYMPTOMS.—The symptoms are very hard to detect. As a rule the animal will
point the affected foot when at rest even before there is any lameness
present. While at work he apparently goes sound, but when placed in the
stable, or when stopped on hard ground, one foot will be set out in front
of the other and resting on the toe. It will be noticed that the animal
takes a few lame steps and then goes well again. Again he may be lame
for a day, or he may leave the stable in the morning apparently well and
sound and go lame during the day. In the course of time he will develop
a severe case of lameness, which may last for five or six days. These
spells are intermittent and finally he becomes permanently lame, and the
more he is driven the greater the lameness, and he steps short, wears the
toe of the shoe, stumbles, falls on his knees when the road is rough.
Sometimes both front feet are affected and the shoulders will be stiff.
When put to work he sweats from pain; there will be extreme heat about
the foot, and he will flinch from pressure.
Comparatively few recoveries are made from this disease.
TREATMENT.—First remove the shoe. If the foot is inflamed, poultice with
hot bran or flaxseed meal. After the inflammation disappears, clean the
foot well, clip the hair from around the top of the hoof and use the
following: Red Iodide of Mercury, two drams; Pulverized Cantharides,
four drams; Turpentine, thirty drops; Lard, two ounces. Mix well and
apply every forty-eight hours, rubbing in well for twenty minutes each
time. After three or four applications have been applied, turn the animal
out to pasture. Repeat this treatment again in a month or so. Animals
affected with this disease should be put to slow and easy work on soft
ground, and carefully shod. This disease is unsatisfactorily treated and
only a few cases recover when the best care is taken.
CORNS.
CAUSE.—Dry feet, increased pressure from ill fitting shoes, or high
heeled shoes, which tend to contract the heels and produce corns. Wide
flat feet are predisposed to bruises which terminate in corns.
SYMPTOMS.—Lameness, or as the old saying goes, “The animal will go
tenderfooted.” When standing the animal is generally very restless, they
paw their bedding behind them at night. Tapping or pressure on the foot
will assist in locating a corn.
TREATMENT.—Discover the true cause of the corn and remove it if possible.
Take away all pressure from over the corn and turn the animal out in some
damp pasture. If this cannot be done, put on a flat “bar” shoe, packing
the sole of the foot with Pine Tar and Oakum; then place a leather
between the foot and shoe. Repeat this application every two weeks, as
this will keep the sole soft and flexible, and with proper shoeing your
animal will be relieved of corns.
Frequently coffin-joint lameness or navicular disease is mistaken for
corns.
CONSTIPATION.
CAUSE.—Indigestible foods, irregular feeding, lack of, or too much,
exercise, insufficient secretion of digestive materials, strictures,
ruptures, paralysis, worms, folding and twisting of the intestines, which
frequently occurs in old age.
SYMPTOMS.—The animal cannot expel the contents of the intestines, which
frequently causes colicky pains. Death from this form of constipation
is generally due to rupture of the intestines, when due to indigestible
foods or irregular feeding. Lack of, or too much, exercise seldom
produces death, although the animal may not pass any fecal matter for a
week.
TREATMENT.—Give a capsule containing Aloin, two drams, and Pulverized
Ginger, two drams, every eighteen hours until the animal has a movement
of the bowels. Then give the following tonic: Pulverized Nux Vomica, two
ounces; Pulverized Gentian Root, two ounces; Pulverized Fenugreek Seed,
four ounces. Mix well and give one tablespoonful in feed three times a
day. If the animal refuses to eat it in the feed, place one tablespoonful
in gelatin capsule and administer with capsule gun. This will stimulate
the worm-like movement of the bowels and strengthen the heart action.
Give the animal all the water it will drink. If the water is cold, take
the chill off by warming or adding warm water. If the animal will eat,
feed food that is easily digested, such as grass, carrots, turnips,
potatoes and apples, but do not feed too large a quantity at one time.
Hot bran mashes or steamed rolled oats are very nourishing and easily
digested. Rectal injections of Soap and Turpentine in small quantities,
added to warm water, are very beneficial, and I would recommend their
use. It is advisable to elevate the animal’s hind parts when giving
rectal injections, as it will cause the animal to retain the injection
much longer, consequently it does its intended work much better.
If due to worms, fast the animal for twenty-four hours and give Barbadoes
Aloes, three drams; Calomel, one dram; Ferri Sulphate, two drams;
Antimony Tartrate, two drams. Place in gelatin capsule and give with
capsule gun. This dose should be repeated in ten days to insure the
expulsion of newly hatched worms.
COLD.
(_Nasal Catarrh_)
CAUSE.—Atmospheric changes common in the spring and fall; animal allowed
to chill when standing in a draft, or driven when the system is in a
poor condition. It is also produced by inhaling irritating gases, smoke,
drenching through the nose, dusty hay or grain that contains infectious
matter.
SYMPTOMS.—Animal is stupid, does not take food very freely, hair stands
and looks dusty, throat becomes sore, pulse is not greatly affected.
There may be a slight rise of temperature, say 101° F. to 103° F. After a
day or two there will be a discharge of mucus from the nostrils which may
be offensive to the smell. There is generally an increased flow of urine.
The breathing is not much affected.
TREATMENT.—Make the animal as comfortable as possible by placing in a
clean stall with pure air, but avoid drafts. Blanket if the weather is
chilly and give the following prescription: Chloride of Potash, two
ounces; Nitrate of Potash, four ounces. Mix these well in a pint of Pine
Tar and place about one tablespoonful of the mixture as far back on
the tongue as possible every six hours. Relief is very certain if this
treatment is given in the first stages. If not it will become chronic and
terminate into nasal gleet, or lung complications.
COUGH.
(_Acute and Chronic_)
As a cough is a symptom of various diseases, these in addition to the
cough should be treated.
KINDS OF COUGH.—Many writers give several different varieties, but for
sake of convenience I will divide them into two forms, namely: Acute and
Chronic.
CAUSE.—Acute Coughs are generally due to sudden exposure to cold, drafts
and are the forerunning symptom of a disease of the organs of breathing.
Chronic Coughs are associated with, and often a result of, sore throat,
lung fever, pleurisy, bronchitis, broken wind, influenza, nasal gleet,
catarrh, glanders, heaves and distemper.
TREATMENT.—Under each disease of which a cough is a symptom, I have also
prescribed to include its suppression. The following prescription is
reasonable in price, yet very effective in all forms of cough: Tannic
Acid, one ounce; Potassi Chlorate, four ounces; Potassi Nitrate, four
ounces. Powder well and mix with Black Strap Molasses, one pint; placing
container in hot water assists in dissolving contents. When this is
thoroughly mixed add Pine Tar one pint, and place one tablespoonful
well back on the tongue with a wooden paddle every three or four hours,
according to the severity of the cough.
Sometimes a liniment applied to the throat and windpipe has a good
effect, and I would recommend the following on account of its penetrating
qualities: Aqua Ammonia Fort., two ounces; Turpentine, two ounces; Raw
Linseed Oil, four ounces. Mix and apply twice daily, shaking the contents
of the bottle well before using.
COLT CONSTIPATION.
CAUSE.—Improper digestion of its mother’s milk, especially when
overheated or not allowed to nurse enough.
SYMPTOMS.—The colt appears stupid; does not care to move about, but lies
flat on either side and shows signs of great pain.
TREATMENT.—Give two tablespoonfuls of Cascara Sagrada. Great care must
be exercised in administering the medicine to place it well back on
the tongue; do not hold the nose high or some of the liquid may enter
the lungs; it is much better to waste some of the medicine. One of the
most important factors in the treatment of Colt Constipation is rectal
injections; they relieve temperature, gases, and pain, promoting the
worm-like action of the bowels and liquefying their contents.
COLT DIARRHOEA.
CAUSE.—Specific infection, the action of which is favored by insanitary
conditions, irregular feeding, or permitting the colt to nurse when the
mother is overheated or out of condition.
SYMPTOMS.—Frequent watery discharges, sometimes tinged with blood, and as
the disease progresses the colt shows signs of great pain. If not treated
promptly, the disease will terminate fatally in the course of six or ten
days.